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News 3/28/09

Local group honors state flag dayThis Sunday is the 88th anniversary of when Iowa adopted Knoxville resident Dixie Gebhardts design for the Iowa State Flag. To commemorate this event, the Knoxville Historic Preservation Commission presented a brief history of the Iowa state flag and flag activities to Knoxvilles 2nd and 3rd grade students. Hundreds of colored flags have been returned to the commission, and these will be displayed in area businesses, according to committee co-chair Carolyn Formanek. She says the history is being presented to help students appreciate one of Knoxvilles contributions to state history.

Reducing wear to TulipTorenCity officials are taking steps to reduce wear to the Tulip Toren after a renovation project last year. Community Services Director Kevin Vos says bicycles, skateboards and roller-blades can damage the structure by wearing down the paint and concrete. The Pella City Council will likely consider an ordinance next month that would prohibit use of bicycles, skateboards and roller-blades on the Tulip Toren.

New measure will help track medicine buys in Marion CountyA new state measure increasing ways nonprescription cold medicine is purchased will help law enforcement crack down on methamphetamine production. Governor Chet Culver signed the measure earlier this week, which requires customers buying pseudoephedrinea main ingredient used to make meth to sign an electronic log, whereas before they only had to sign a paper log. Marion County Sheriff Ron Goemaat says this will save deputies the time of physically going to pharmacies to check logs, and make it easier to keep track of sales.

Reducing wear to Tulip TorenCity officials are taking steps to reduce wear to the Tulip Toren after a renovation project last year. Community Services Director Kevin Vos says bicycles, skateboards and roller-blades can damage the structure by wearing down the paint and concrete. The Pella City Council will likely consider an ordinance next month that would prohibit use of bicycles, skateboards and roller-blades on the Tulip Toren.

Planning Pella Farmers MarketThe Pella Farmers Market Club met this past Thursday night to set their schedule for this season. Vivian Rippentrop with the Pella Farmers Market says they plan to open the season April 30 in the parking lot of First Reformed Church. She says the hours will remain the same as last year from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. every Thursday. The market traditionally continues into October, depending on weather conditions.

Knoxville Lodge Open House todayThe Lodge of Westridgea new independent living senior centeris having its Open House event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on highway 14 next to Godfathers Pizza, according to Lodge owner Jan Pearson. She says area residents are invited to take a tour of the five apartments, foyer, and other areas already finished. Pearson says the center will have a tranquil atmosphere, and is for seniors aged 55 and older.

Pella students combat hungerA group of Pella third-graders raised more than $690 to help combat world hunger. Students in Cindy Dixsons class at Lincoln Elementary collected funds for the non-profit organization Heifer International. The funds will be used to purchase a water buffalo, llama, pigs, goat and a share of a heifer for a needy family.

Pets can suffer storm phobiaThe storm season can be frightening to a pet but owners can take some measures to keep their dog or cat healthy and calm this spring and summer. Dr. Christie Carlo with Tri-County Veterinary Clinic in Pella says one fairly common problem this time of year is storm phobia. She says some dogs and cats can become very anxious during storms, which can cause them to harm themselves or their environment.

Maid of Honor in Pella tonightResidents have one more opportunity to see Pella Christian High School students test their comic timing. The show Maid of Honor opened last night. Director Marlo Van Peursem describes it as a family-friendly slapstick comedy that involves a friendly rivalry between athletics and the arts. He says 20 students are involved in the production. Showtime is at 7:00 p.m. at the Pella Christian High School. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students.

Getting ready for Knoxville Egg HuntArea residents are invited to help stuff Easter eggs Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at Celebrate Community Church at 1005 North Lincoln in Knoxville for the Community Easter Egg Hunt being held April 11th.